The main types of cheerleading are sideline school cheer, competitive school cheer, all star cheer, college cheer, recreational and youth cheer, professional dance and cheer teams, and adaptive or inclusive cheer. They differ in purpose, time commitment, cost and rules. Sideline cheer supports school teams and builds spirit, all star cheer focuses entirely on competition, college cheer blends game day and national championships, recreational cheer teaches fundamentals for fun, and adaptive programs make the sport accessible to athletes of all abilities. The right choice depends on your goals, schedule and budget.
Types of cheerleading at a glance
| Type | Main focus | Who typically sets rules |
|---|---|---|
| Sideline school cheer | Supporting school teams and building spirit | Schools and state associations, often using NFHS Spirit Rules |
| Competitive school cheer | Judged routines against other schools | State associations and event producers |
| All star cheer | Competition only club teams | USASF in the US and international federations |
| College cheer | Game day support plus competitions | Colleges and event producers |
| Recreational and youth cheer | Fun and fundamentals | Local leagues and organizations |
| Professional dance and cheer teams | Performances at pro games | Individual teams |
| Adaptive and inclusive cheer | Access for athletes of all abilities | Various programs and event divisions |
Sideline school cheer
Sideline cheer is what most people picture when they think of cheerleading. School squads cheer at football and basketball games, and often at other sports, leading chants, performing short routines and building school spirit. They also appear at pep rallies, community events and school celebrations. Stunts and tumbling may be included where surfaces and rules allow, but the main goal is crowd leadership and support for other teams. Many schools hold tryouts for varsity and junior varsity squads each year.
Competitive school cheer
Many school squads also compete, either in the same season as sideline cheer or in a separate competition season. Competitive school routines often include a crowd leading or game day section alongside stunts, pyramids, tumbling, jumps and dance. Some state associations sanction competitive cheer with official state championships, and many teams attend events run by private event producers. School competition rules often differ from all star rules, so coaches must follow the correct rulebook.
All star cheer
All star cheer is run by private gyms whose teams exist only to compete. Athletes from different schools train together, and teams are placed by age and skill level. Routines are about two and a half minutes long and packed with difficult stunts, tosses, pyramids and tumbling. The season often runs most of the year, and top teams may qualify for major championships through bids. In the United States, the U.S. All Star Federation sets levels and safety rules, while international federations oversee all star cheer in other countries. All star cheer is usually more expensive than school cheer because of tuition, choreography, uniforms and travel.
College cheer
College cheer combines game day support for university teams with competition at national championships. Many college squads are coed, with partner stunts and advanced tumbling. Some colleges also offer related formats such as acrobatics and tumbling or STUNT, which are designed as head to head competitive sports. Requirements and scholarship opportunities vary widely by school.
Recreational and youth cheer
Recreational programs, often linked to youth football leagues, community centers or parks departments, focus on fundamentals, fitness and fun. They usually have lower costs and time commitments, and many accept athletes without tryouts. Youth cheer is a common starting point for young children, who learn motions, jumps, basic stunts and teamwork in a supportive setting before moving on to school or all star teams.
Professional dance and cheer teams
Professional sports teams in football, basketball and other leagues often have dance and cheer teams that perform at games and community events. These teams focus mainly on dance, choreography and entertainment rather than stunting and tumbling. Members are adults who audition each season, and the role often includes appearances and community work.
Adaptive and inclusive cheer
Adaptive and inclusive cheer programs make the sport accessible to athletes with disabilities. Some school programs create inclusive teams that pair athletes with and without disabilities, and many competitions offer special needs and unified divisions. Organizations such as The Sparkle Effect have helped schools start inclusive cheer and dance teams. These programs emphasize belonging, teamwork and confidence, and they are a growing part of the sport.
International cheer
Cheerleading is now practiced around the world. Many countries have national federations that organize school, club and national team competitions, and the International Cheer Union, which received full recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2021, runs world championships for national teams. International divisions often include all girl, coed and adaptive categories. Teams outside the United States may follow slightly different rules and traditions, but the core skills of stunts, tumbling, jumps and crowd leading are shared.
Comparing time and cost
| Type | Typical time commitment | Typical cost level |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational and youth | One or two practices a week in season | Lower |
| Sideline school cheer | Several practices a week plus games | Low to moderate |
| Competitive school cheer | Practices plus competition weekends | Moderate |
| All star cheer | Multiple practices a week, most of the year | Higher |
| College cheer | Frequent practices, games and travel | Varies by school |
These are broad patterns. Actual time and cost vary widely by program, so always ask for specific details before committing. Many athletes also move between types over time, starting in recreational cheer, joining a school squad and later adding all star or college cheer as their skills and goals grow.
How to choose the right type
- Define your goal. School spirit, competition, fitness, fun or a mix.
- Check your schedule. All star and competitive teams require more practice and travel.
- Consider your budget. Compare fees, uniforms and travel costs across options.
- Assess your skills. Recreational programs suit beginners, while all star and varsity teams often require tumbling and stunting experience.
- Visit programs. Watch practices and talk to coaches and families.
- Try it out. Attend a clinic, camp or class before committing to a full season.
Common mistakes when choosing
- Choosing a highly competitive program before learning the basics.
- Underestimating the cost and time of all star cheer.
- Assuming all cheer types follow the same rules.
- Ignoring the athlete’s own interests and goals.
- Overlooking inclusive or recreational options that may be a better fit.
Rulebook note: school programs in many states follow the NFHS Spirit Rules or state association rules, all star programs follow USASF rules, and international events follow federation rules. Always confirm which rules apply to your team.
Health note
Health note: all forms of cheer involve physical activity, and stunting and tumbling carry injury risks. Choose programs with qualified coaches, safe facilities and clear injury and concussion policies, and get a sports physical before starting.
Frequently asked questions
What is all star cheer?
Club teams run by private gyms that focus solely on competition, with athletes from many schools placed by age and skill level.
What is the difference between sideline and competitive cheer?
Sideline cheer supports school teams at games, while competitive cheer performs judged routines against other teams.
Which type of cheer is best for beginners?
Recreational and youth programs are often the easiest starting point, with lower costs and a focus on fundamentals.
